Benefits of List Making

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Another one of my Fast Break goals was to start making a list of things I need to do on a daily basis. I tend to have so many expectations of myself that I either do more than I intended, or I get paralyzed with anxiety and don't do anything. Even making a list seems like a chore sometimes. Sad, huh?

What I'm starting to realize though is that it is helpful to 'see' what all I feel I need to do on paper. When I 'see' it, I realize that maybe I don't need really need to do all that's on that list or that the anxiety I'd been feeling was not necessary.

Today I made a list of places I needed to go at lunch and what I needed at each place. This was in preparation for a short trip I'm taking tomorrow and Friday. I sat here most of the morning fretting over it thinking I'd have to do some on the way home. Then, when I left the office I got into a traffic jam (RATS!). Panic started to set in. I took a deep breath and just decided I would do what I could and worry about the rest later. Well, let me tell you, I made it to every place on my list and accomplished all I needed to do. I was 15 minutes late getting back to work, but all is well. I come in early nearly every day and rarely leave for lunch anymore, so no one will say anything.

I'm relieved that part of my list is accomplished and crossing those errands off my list was a joy!